At the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), countries endorsed World Prematurity Day as an official global health campaign - part of a decision that highlights the urgent need for investment to prevent preterm births and expand access to lifesaving care for babies born early or small.
Preterm births - defined as births that occur before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy - are the leading cause of death amongst children aged under 5 years. Complications such as difficulties breathing, infections and hypothermia are common, while survivors can face significant and long-term disability and ill health.
The WHA decision document urges countries to expand access to proven, high-impact interventions, like special newborn care units, support for affected families and kangaroo mother care (KMC), which combines exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. For prevention, the document highlights the need to strengthen antenatal services and more broadly, improve women' underlying health.
"Recognizing this is a crucial issue increasingly shaping child health and survival, WHO welcomes the decision to incorporate World Prematurity Day into its official calendar," said Dr Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. "It will be an important opportunity to educate, raise awareness and advocate for action to tackle this leading cause of child mortality, while highlighting the need for additional practical, financial and policy support for affected families."
In 2022, WHO released new clinical guidelines for care of preterm and low birthweight infants, with new guidance to help countries expand kangaroo mother care expected later this year. Alongside partners, the Organization also supports countries to deliver comprehensive newborn care packages, including special services for small and sick babies.
World Prematurity Day has been observed for over a decade, driven by advocacy from families, civil society, and health professionals. Its formal recognition by WHO is expected to further galvanize global attention and action to this critical issue for maternal and child health.
The decision was agreed following discussions on the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016–2030). It aligns with the 2023 WHA Resolution to accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, and child survival, as well as the 2025 World Health Day theme: " Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures ."
World Prematurity Day will be officially marked by WHO, Member States, and partners on November 17, starting in 2025.
